Cheddar Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Hard |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey, Kombucha, Tomatoes | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.